News

8 January 2026

Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva referred the matter to the outgoing Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov and the Director of the Vitosha Nature Park Directorate Sevdalina Dimitrova after the Institution received over 100 reports from citizens and associations in just two days.

The reason for this was the draft updated management plan for Vitosha Nature Park, published on 2 December 2025.

According to the complaints received, the project allows for an increase in construction and infrastructure projects on over 90% of the park's territory, as well as incorrect zoning, which, according to citizens, does not guarantee the necessary protection of natural resources.

The Ombudsman points out as a serious shortcoming the lack of decisions to restore the lifts in the busiest northern part of Vitosha, as well as the absence of measures to limit construction along the park's boundaries.

The Public Defender considers it unacceptable to present the project without conducting an environmental impact assessment, even though the plan serves as a framework for investment intentions within the meaning of the Environmental Protection Act.

"In its current form, the draft update of the Vitosha Nature Park does not meet the requirements for regulatory and expert compliance and does not meet the legitimate expectations of the public," writes Velislava Delcheva.

She emphasizes that public consultation is a mandatory and crucial stage in determining the objectives and measures for the conservation of protected areas. In this regard, she recommends that the plan be reviewed and supplemented, including through an environmental impact assessment, and only then be submitted for a new public consultation.